Planning application
149 Northfields Lane Brixham TQ5 8RH
Works: Trees
Refused. Only the applicant can appeal, within the statutory time limit, and a revised scheme can be submitted instead.
Proposal
Chestnut Tree on Northfields Lane. Tree T1 on sketch. Works requested: - Crown reduction by approximately 3 metres in height and 3 metres in lateral spread, resulting in a final height of around 14.92 metres (current height = approx. 17.92metres) and a final spread of around 11.66 metres (current spread = approx. 14.66 metres). - Crown thinning of up to 20%, evenly throughout the canopy, to reduce wind resistance and improve light penetration. - Selective pruning of long/heavy limbs to reduce weight and risk of branch failure, particularly on limbs overhanging public pathway, road and neighbouring property. - Removal of all significant deadwood throughout the crown in the interests of public safety. - All pruning cuts to be made back to suitable growth points to maintain the tree?s natural shape and structure. Reason for works: - A large limb (3 metres+) has recently broken from near the top of the tree, demonstrating the risk of further branch failure. I've attached photos of this. - The tree stands adjacent to, with limbs overhanging, public road, public footpath, my pathway and driveway to house, and neighbouring garden (there are young children who play in the garden) where falling branches could cause serious injury or damage. - The proposed works are intended to reduce the likelihood of future branch failures, while preserving the health and amenity value of the tree. This work would be carried out by an Arboricultural Association-approved contractor in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work ? Recommendations.
As published by the council, reference AT/2025/0280
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2025/0280
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Refused With Alternative
- Received
- 19 Sep 2025
- Validated
- 24 Sep 2025
- Decided
- 11 Nov 2025
- Ward
- Furzeham With Summercombe
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ5 8RH
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
19 Sep 2025
Received by Torbay
-
24 Sep 2025
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
11 Nov 2025
Decision issued: Refused With Alternative
-
12 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
Documents
Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report
Documents on file for this application
A planning file usually holds the application form, drawings and site plans, consultee responses, the officer's report and the decision notice.
Trade members open them from here.
Open the documentsWhat refusal means
The process from here
The council refused this application for the reasons set out on the decision notice, which the council portal holds in full. Only the applicant can appeal a refusal; the time limit runs from the decision date and is shorter for householder schemes.
Refusal does not prevent a fresh attempt. Applicants often address the reasons for refusal and resubmit, so a refused scheme is not necessarily the end of proposals for the site.
About trees applications
How this application type works
Tree applications cover work to protected trees: those under a tree preservation order need consent for pruning or felling, and trees in a conservation area need six weeks written notice before work starts. The council assesses the amenity value of the tree and can refuse consent, approve it with conditions, or in conservation areas make a preservation order in response.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
-
149 Northfields Lane Brixham TQ5 8RH
Demolition and replacement of conservatory with rear extension, new entrance and porch, associated landscaping (decking no higher than 150mm existing ground level)
Granted Lawful development Extension Demolition 14 docsSmall domestic -
147 Northfields Lane Brixham TQ5 8RH
Formation of two storey extension to rear with 1st floor extension over existing flat roof garage to side and replacement porch to front. (Description revised 30.07.21)
Granted Householder Extension 13 docsSmall domestic -
64 Pavilions Close Brixham TQ5 8BU
T1 - Holme Oak Quercus ilex There have been some very unprofessional pruning cuts over the roadside that need to be pruned back into pruning points or branch collar. Because of the bad pruning work the tree is now unbalanced. I would like to prune the SW facing branches back from the 2 adjacent buildings to bring into shape with the rest of the tree and reduce shade on the adjacent houses. Reduce south side by 2m - making cuts of 150mm or less. T3 - London plan Platanus x acerifolia This tree is in good health although children are climbing and using the low branches for a swing. I would like to crown lift to 2.5 metres to give more light and stop children potentially having an accident. T6 - Common Lime Tila x vulgaris This tree is in the communal gardens and is casting a lot of shade on the surrounding houses. I would like to crown lift by 2.5m from ground level to reduce the dark oppressive feel for the residents.
Granted Trees 10 docs -
Works Throughout The Pavillions Estate - Please See Attached Map And Report Pavilions Close Brixham TQ5 8BU
006 - Lime - Reduce lowest primary limb on the south side by 2m - Reducing growth towards property. Crown-lift to 3m - To open aspect for properties in close proximity 007 - Semi mature Norway Maple - Repollard back to previous points - Cyclical works (3yrs) 001 - Holm Oak- Crownlift to 3m - To open up aspect for neighbours
Granted Trees 5 docs -
28 Furzeham Park Brixham TQ5 8RG
Formation of single storey side & rear extensions. Widening of existing garage.
Granted Householder Extension 13 docsSmall domestic -
184 Northfields Lane Brixham TQ5 8RD
87% historically approved · decision due ~9 Oct
Construction of side extension (S elevation) at ground floor level, above existing lower ground floor level extension, including pitched roof continuous with existing main roof at rear. Materials and finishes to match existing.
Awaiting decision Householder ExtensionDomestic
Other trees applications
In Torbay
-
AT/2026/0171 Granted
2 High Grove Sunbury Hill Torquay TQ1 3ED
Trim branch's back slightly from touching our property and roof space to stop damage and further accidents from happening. Silver Birch Tree Pruning Reduce the branches that are hanging over the roof and gutter. Cut back to appropriate growth points. Tree will be climbed and rigged down. By cutting away from gutters and roof - it should reduce future damage to the property. All work to be carried out by qualified and insured arborists. All waste to be removed responsibly and under license.
-
AT/2026/0216 Granted
Brantwood Rowdens Road Torquay TQ2 5AZ
All trees 1-6 to be removed completely, most are not identifiable as they are completely dead. All trees below an approximate height of twelve meters, and we wish to remove them as they are dead. We also want to remove the dead foliage on the slope to the side of the property, and cut back growth to a manageable condition for future maintenance. I have not been able to find specific tree preservation numbers for the trees 1-6 but I understand we are located in a conservation area and have therefor submitted this application.
-
AT/2026/0233 Awaiting decision
South Ridge Middle Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2NE
T1 - cedar. Reduce the lateral spread/end-loading on 3 x low limbs on the west side of the tree by 2.5m, from 9.5m to 7m.
-
AT/2026/0234 Awaiting decision
12 Mena Park Close Paignton TQ4 7TA
T1 Leyland cypress T2 Spruce We would like to fell both these trees, the spruce is cladded in ivy and poor form. The Leyland Cypress is again of poor form and completely over powering this garden. To replace these with Beech trees would make sense.
-
AT/2026/0166 Granted
3 Roundham Road Paignton Torbay TQ4 6EZ
Oak T 1 - Reduce lateral crown spread over the roof by up to 1. 1.5m, targeting only branches encroaching towards the property. Works to follow BS 3998: 2010 principles: retain natural form, prune back to suitable secondary growth, avoid creating large wounds, and maintain a balanced crown shape. The crown is in direct contact with the roofline, causing abrasion, debris accumulation, and increased maintenance needs. A modest reduction restores safe clearance while retaining the tree's amenity value. Oak T 2 and T 3 - Pollard the tree at an appropriate height to manage structural decline associated with Ganoderma. Retain a stable framework of sound scaffold branches; cuts to be made at suitable points to allow future cyclical management. All works to follow BS 3998: 2010 and be proportionate to the tree's condition and location. The tree shows signs consistent with Ganoderma decay, reducing structural reliability. Pollarding is a recognised BS 3998 management option for declining trees where retention is desirable but full crown load is no longer appropriate. This approach prolongs safe retention, reduces risk, and avoids premature removal. Cedar T 4 - Remove deadwood =40mm diameter and any unstable smaller deadwood throughout the crown. Deadwood is present in the crown, posing a risk to the garden and adjacent access areas. Beech G 1 - Lift branches over the road to a minimum height of 5.2m (standard UK highway clearance for vehicle routes). Lift branches over the pavement to a minimum height of 2.1m (standard pedestrian clearance). Where applicable, lift branches over cycleways to 2.5?m. Remove or shorten only those branches that obstruct safe passage or visibility, in accordance with Highways Act 1980 s 154. Pruning to follow BS 3998: 2010 prune to suitable secondary growth points, avoid excessive thinning, and retain group structure. The Beech group is producing low lateral growth that obstructs the public highway, affecting safe pedestrian and vehicle move